Debt

 I was thirteen when Papa gave me to you.
One small bag on the porch waited while you drove up the road.
 I asked Papa why he didn't want me no more.
Begging and pleading, that I'll be good, just don't send me away.
But without a word he gave you my hand.
“Now go," said Papa, to you, "she's all yours."
I wouldn't go, holding on, but he pushed me away
“Why, Papa, Why,” yelled unyielding, wanting to stay.

You said, “Your Papa owed a debt he couldn't pay.”
I looked for the truth in my parent's eyes.
Momma shed tears, Poppa turned away
That was the day you took me for payment

Dirt covered the road; black birds flew in the air.
You drove us away smiling, talking. I said nothing.
Tears ran down my face as I looked back at my home and life with a family who thought of me as nothing, but a commodity.

You took me that night, a child, with no future, a child with no life.
My virtue was just an installment for his bill past due.

I cooked your meals, clean your house, worked your fields and got rode hard most nights.
A slave to your well was my daily pill.
I tried to laugh at you jokes, tried to be good and make myself happy
But I was payment for a debt Papa owed you

I had your children, their love I didn't feel.
They suck from my tit, never touching my heart.
They had your face, eyes and smile, the same I despised.
Each one a reminder of a debt that cost me my freedom and my life

You asked me once if I love you. I said, when you are payment, love can never grow true.

The years have passed and all the kids are grown, its time I left you for a brand new home

Now you come round here messing with me and my new man.
Asking me why I left you with the crops still on the field.
Why I treat you so bad after all these years?

I told you.
 Papa’s debt was paid in full, when I left you.
Now it’s my time to live this life for me.
Debt free